CALIFORNIA – The City of Victorville announced November 26 that Teresa Massie, its 200th Wellness Center graduate, has transitioned to permanent housing.

The Wellness Center offers City-run interim housing and support for people experiencing homelessness.

Massie, who struggled with homelessness for many years, entered the Wellness Center about ten months ago. 

She came after learning that her dog, Cyndi, could stay with her in a private room instead of being kenneled, as is common in most shelters.

While at the center, Massie received medical treatment for a behavioral health disorder that contributed to her homelessness.  

She was paired with a case manager from Symba, the City’s operator of the Wellness Center. The case manager arranged her personal care, support services, and training to help her gain stability and plan her transition to permanent housing.

Massie credits the supportive services at the center for her turnaround. She established a dog-walking group to help other residents of the center socialize and gain support.

Now, Massie is thriving and looking forward to living with Cyndi in their own apartment.

Homelessness in Victorville declined 57%

Since the opening of the Wellness Center in December 2023, the homeless count in Victorville has dropped to the lowest point it’s been in five years, according to the city.

The number of unsheltered individuals in Victorville declined by 57%. 

Overall homelessness dropped 27% as documented in the 2025 Point-in-Time Count published by the County of San Bernardino.

“Reaching 200 graduates is a powerful reminder that recovery and stability are truly possible when a community comes together with compassion and commitment,” Symba CEO Dr. Shawn Smith said.

For more information about the Wellness Center visit VictorvilleCA.gov/HomelessnessSolutions.